Pastrami is a type of meat that is made from beef or pork. It is popular deli meat that is usually served as a sandwich filler. If you’ve never made pastrami before, don’t worry—it’s actually quite easy to do. Here are some tips on how to make pastrami at home like a pro.
1. Choose your raw ingredients and spices
While pastrami can be made from just about any meat, the highest quality, the tastiest results are always achieved when the meat is made out of beef. The salt and seasonings used in pastrami are what give it its unique flavour, so always opt for more expensive cuts of beef that boast high quality. There are many different recipes for how to make pastrami at home, but most of them call for the same basic set of ingredients: garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, coriander seeds, mustard seeds, dill seeds (optional), brown sugar (optional), salt (preferably pink or sea salt) and pickling spices (optional). Also, you can search online for a smoked pastrami recipe and use that as a guide. If you want to experiment with different flavours without deviating too much from the traditional deli taste, stick with these basic ingredients.
2. Choose the right cut of meat
When purchasing beef for making pastrami, always opt for a thick cut like the navel or point cut. These cuts are fatty, which is essential for getting that nice, juicy pastrami flavour. Avoid buying meat that is too thin, as it will not be as flavorful. Before you get started with the marinating and curing process, it’s important to trim the fat cap off of the meat. This is the thick layer of fat that covers most cuts of beef, and while it is necessary for keeping the meat moist and juicy, it will not taste very good when cooked. Trim off as much of the fat as possible until you are left with a relatively thin layer of fat surrounding the meat. You can use this thin layer of fat to your advantage, as it will be a great way to add juiciness and flavour to the meat once it is done cooking.
3. Marinate the meat
Once you have chosen your cuts of meat and spices, it’s time to start marinating. The length of time that you marinate the meat will depend on how much time you have. A minimum of 12 hours is recommended, but if you can let it sit for up to 24 hours, even better. In a large bowl or container, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, coriander seeds, mustard seeds, dill seeds (optional), brown sugar (optional), salt (preferably pink or sea salt), and pickling spices (optional). Add enough water to cover the meat and stir everything together until the spices are well combined. Place the meat in the bowl or container and coat it with the marinade. Cover, and let it sit in the fridge overnight before cooking.
4. Cook the meat
The best way to cook pastrami is by smoking it. If you have a smoker, this is the perfect opportunity to use it. If not, you can also cook it in the oven. Preheat your smoker or oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit (135 °C). Place the meat on the smoker or in a baking dish and cook for 3-4 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (73.89 °C). If you are using a smoker, make sure to keep the lid closed as much as possible in order to maintain the smokey flavour. Once the meat is cooked, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. You can also use this time to prepare some delicious side dishes to go with your pastrami.
5. Serve
With a hearty sandwich, a bowl of creamy soup, or a side dish, the pastrami is the perfect ingredient to fall back on when you want to enjoy a comforting meal. You can choose your favourite method for serving pastrami, but the most common options are sandwiches, soups, and side dishes like salads or pasta. If you’re looking for something simple that will go well with your meat, try it on top of coleslaw or in a sandwich with sauerkraut and mustard. For soup, give chicken noodle soup with pastrami a shot. If you still have some leftovers after feasting on all of this goodness, you can use them to make delicious hot pastrami dip—just throw it in the oven until the cheese melts over top.
Now that you know how to make pastrami at home like a pro, there’s no need to ever buy it from the deli again! With a bit of time and effort, you can create a delicious and authentic pastrami sandwich that will rival anything you can get from your local deli. Enjoy!
